Summer is here, and with travel restrictions easing up, it’s time to start planning those long-awaited sightseeing trips. Remember those old, rusty coolers that your parents used to lug around? They were a real pain, weren’t they?
Thankfully, things have changed! With the introduction of new and innovative coolers in the last decade, you don’t have to deal with a cooler that doesn’t keep your drinks cold anymore. If you’re on the hunt for a top-notch cooler that’ll keep your drinks cool on your trip, you have a few options. YETI, RTIC, and Pelican all offer pretty efficient coolers.
But, which one is the best for you? Well, we’ve got you covered! We took the time to review all three of these coolers and do an in-depth comparison to help you find the perfect cooler for your needs. Keep reading to find out which cooler we recommend!
Are Coolers These Days Actually Any Good?
So I gotta say, I think coolers these days are pretty awesome. With all the new designs and technology, they can keep things cold for days! But honestly, even if they hadn’t come so far, I’d still say they’re worth it. Back in the day, those old coolers might not have kept things cold for very long, but they were still your best bet for keeping your food and drinks from getting warm and gross.
Sure, it was a bit frustrating that they only lasted a few hours, but what other choice did you have on those camping trips? Going without a cooler was a recipe for disaster, trust me.
Anyway, my point is that even with the old technology, coolers just made sense. And now with brands like YETI, RTIC, and Pelican, they’re a hundred times more efficient than before! These things can actually keep things cold for days at a time, which is seriously impressive.
Choosing the Right Cooler: Soft vs Hard
Are you in the market for a cooler but not sure which type to get? Well, you’re in luck because we’re here to help you out! We’ll be comparing soft coolers and hard coolers to give you a better understanding of each.
Let’s start with soft coolers. These are perfect for those who are always on the go, especially if you’re traveling by foot. Soft coolers are usually made in a backpack style, which makes them easy to carry. However, since they’re soft without a plastic casing, they tend to be less efficient in keeping your items cool. So, if you’re looking for something that’s convenient but don’t mind sacrificing some efficiency, then a soft cooler is a good option.
On the other hand, if you’re traveling with a car or any other mode of transportation that can easily carry a cooler, then a hard cooler is a much better choice. Unlike soft coolers, hard coolers are more efficient in keeping your items cool. So, if you’re planning a trip to the beach or mountains and want the best performance, then a hard cooler is the way to go.
In summary, if you’re always on-the-go and prefer the convenience of a backpack-style cooler, then a soft cooler is a great option. However, if you’re planning a trip that involves a car or any other mode of transportation, then a hard cooler is the way to go for the best performance.
YETI Review
YETI is the brand everyone is talking about when it comes to coolers, and it’s not hard to see why. YETI has taken the ordinary cooler and made it extraordinary. Their coolers aren’t just practical, they’re stylish and fun too. It’s like what Nike did with their swoosh, YETI has made coolers cool.
But don’t be fooled by their branding, YETI’s quality and efficiency are unbeatable. They’re known for making the most durable and efficient coolers on the market. Whether you’re going on a camping trip or a beach vacation, YETI coolers will keep your drinks and snacks cool for days on end.
YETI has an extensive range of coolers to choose from, including soft and hard coolers. Their Hopper Flip 12 Soft Cooler is perfect for occasional travelers who need something compact, while their hard and soft coolers are over-the-top and perfect for enthusiasts. YETI has the most options in terms of sizing and models, so you’re sure to find the perfect cooler for your needs.
Overall, YETI is the cooler brand that makes you cool. Their quality and design are top-notch, and they have a wide range of coolers to choose from. Whether you’re a casual traveler or an enthusiast, YETI has the perfect cooler for you.
RTIC Review
If you’re in the market for a new cooler, you’ve probably come across YETI and RTIC. While YETI has a wide range of options for both soft and hard coolers, RTIC doesn’t have as many choices. They do offer some soft coolers, like the Lightweight Backpack Cooler, the Day Cooler, and the Backpack Cooler, but their hard cooler selection is limited.
RTIC’s best seller is the 65 QT Hard Cooler, which is a popular choice due to its size. The handles and locks are similar to YETI’s, but many coolers on the market have similar designs, so it’s not necessarily a copycat move.
When it comes to build quality and durability, YETI does outperform RTIC. However, RTIC’s prices are more reasonable. That said, we wish RTIC would offer more interesting designs as most of their color options are quite bland.
If you’re looking for a compact and small cooler, RTIC might be worth considering. They have a great selection of soft coolers that are efficient at keeping things cool. They also offer other products like drinkware, bags, and camping gear.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality cooler that will last for years to come, YETI might be the better choice. But if you’re looking for a more affordable option or something that’s small and easy to carry around, RTIC is worth considering.
Pelican Review
If you’re looking for a cooler that can take a beating, look no further than Pelican. These coolers are all about convenience and ruggedness, and they’ve earned a reputation as some of the toughest on the market.
One thing that sets Pelican apart is their design style. Their locks and handles are built to last and look like they could survive the apocalypse. Compared to YETI and RTIC, Pelican coolers definitely have a different vibe.
When it comes to hard coolers, Pelican has a wide variety of options to choose from. However, they don’t have as many options for soft coolers. But don’t let that discourage you- the Dayventure Sling Cooler and Dayventure Backpack Cooler are both great choices for those who need a soft cooler.
Pelican’s most famous hard cooler model is the 70 QT Elite Cooler, which is perfect for families who need to keep a lot of food and drinks cold. And the best part? Pelican coolers are affordable, considering the quality and durability you get.
Overall, Pelican coolers are an excellent choice if you need a cooler that can handle anything you throw at it. With their rugged design and impressive durability, you’ll never have to worry about your drinks getting warm or your food going bad.
Why Are YETI, RTIC, and Pelican Coolers So Expensive Compared to Store Coolers?
So, have you ever wondered why YETI, RTIC, and Pelican coolers cost so much more than your average store cooler? Well, I’ve got some answers for you.
Firstly, it all comes down to technology. These high-end coolers have had so much thought put into their designs, making them super-efficient in keeping things cold. When you compare them side-by-side to other coolers, it’s easy to see how much better they perform. The designs are specifically made to be cooling-friendly, which means they work a lot better than your average cooler.
Another reason is that these coolers are rotomolded, which adds a lot to the cost of manufacturing. This means that the prices are going to be a lot higher than the ones you find at your local store. But hey, you get what you pay for, right?
Now, let’s talk about those local store coolers, or what I like to call “cheapo coolers”. Sure, they may slow down the heating process, but they don’t have any special technology to make them super-efficient. Most of the time, they’re just containers made from plastic that give the illusion of cooling, but they’re not really doing the job.
Of course, it’s fair to mention that not all store coolers are bad, but on average, they don’t compare to the high-end coolers from YETI, RTIC, and Pelican. So, if you’re looking for a cooler that will actually keep your drinks and food cold for a long time, it’s worth investing in one of these top-tier options.
YETI vs RTIC: Which Cooler Brand is Better?
When it comes to cooler brands, it’s hard to ignore YETI and RTIC. But which one is the best? Well, in our opinion, YETI takes the cake.
Why? Well, for starters, YETI coolers are just built better. They’re more durable and reliable than RTIC, and they’re priced similarly too. Plus, YETI’s designs are sleek and modern, while RTIC’s coolers look like something you’d find at your local store.
Sure, RTIC does have a few soft cooler options, but let’s be real, when you compare YETI’s Hopper M30 Soft Cooler or Hopper Flip 18 Soft Cooler, it’s hard to see why anyone would choose RTIC.
That being said, we’re not totally knocking RTIC. Their small soft coolers, like the Soft Pack Cooler or the Day Cooler, are actually pretty great if you need something extra small and compact. But overall, YETI just outshines RTIC in most ways.
At the end of the day, it really depends on what you’re looking for in a cooler. But if you’re looking for top-notch quality and design, we’d definitely recommend going with YETI.
YETI or Pelican
If you take a look at Pelican’s hard coolers, you’ll notice that they’re built like tanks. They’re meant to withstand harsh environments and lots of travel time. But let’s be real, not everyone needs a cooler that can survive a warzone.
For the average Joe who just wants a cooler for a chill day at the lake, Pelican might be overkill. In those cases, YETI might be a better choice. YETI has both soft and hard coolers that are better suited for casual outings.
That being said, we still gotta give props to Pelican for their hard coolers. They’re seriously impressive. But if you’re not planning on taking your cooler on a wild adventure, you might want to go with something a little more practical.
Pelican vs RTIC: Which Cooler Should You Choose?
When it comes to choosing a cooler, you have plenty of options to consider. Two popular choices are Pelican and RTIC. Pelican is known for its enthusiast-grade coolers, while RTIC is more geared towards the average consumer.
To be honest, I don’t think RTIC’s offerings are superior to Pelican’s, or even YETI’s for that matter. You might assume that RTIC is a budget brand, but that’s not necessarily the case. While some people have criticized RTIC, others have had positive experiences with their products.
However, all things considered, I believe that Pelican is the better choice between these two brands. Their coolers have a solid reputation and are well-regarded by outdoor enthusiasts. So if you’re in the market for a high-quality cooler, Pelican is definitely worth considering.
Final Verdict
If you’re planning a fun day out with friends or family, or gearing up for a hardcore adventure, you’ll need a reliable cooler to keep your drinks and snacks cold. Let’s be real, regular coolers from the hardware store just don’t cut it. They promise to keep your stuff cool, but they end up just slowing down the heating process.
That’s where these three coolers come in. They’re definitely better than your average budget cooler, but they may not be for everyone.
Out of the three, we liked YETI the most. It’s not the fanciest option out there, but it offers the best value for your money. It’s perfect for the average consumer who wants a reliable cooler that gets the job done.
However, if you’re a hardcore adventurer who needs something rugged and durable for those long and unforgiving trips, then Pelican is the way to go. Their coolers are the most durable, hands down.
Now, let’s talk about RTIC. It’s a bit of an oddball compared to the other two. It’s marketed as a budget option, but it costs just as much as YETI, and you’re getting less bang for your buck. We think that the other two coolers are much better options overall.
So, if you’re trying to decide between these three coolers and your local hardware store, we’d definitely recommend going with YETI or Pelican. They’re both great options depending on your needs.
